So, here’s the thing. Last year was the first year that I had to let a group go. I sent my 6th graders on to 7th grade, but vowed to treat them like they were my own until they just wouldn’t have me anymore. This year, the entire middle school is mine. From 6th to 8th: they are a part of me. SO THAT MEANS: silly reminders that I loveeee you.

On EVERY SINGLE reading benchmark, I give them a “meaningful treat” with a joke. So, here’s this quarter’s: They each get an airhead and then the teacher reads the note.

Knock, Knock.

[Who’s there?]

The antonym of an airhead.

[The antonym of an airhead who?]

YOU! You’re the antonym of an airhead because your brain is FULL of reading strategies! Good luck on your benchmark, smarties! Love, Ms. C

They’ll inevitably giggle and remember how cheesy I am. Later at lunch they’ll tell me how lame the joke was, but they’ll smile. They always smile.